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You know that toddler independence streak? The one that has your child repeating “ME DO IT!” a few dozen times a day? You can harness this power and put it to good use! Take advantage of your tot’s eagerness to achieve by teaching her some basic self-care tasks. While the results won’t be perfect (expect some toothpaste debacles), the benefits are big. After all, she has to start somewhere, and mastering life skills builds self-esteem.

Tooth Brushing

Your child can begin to brush her teeth independently now, but you’ll still need to follow up to really keep her whites pearly (and cavity-free). It’s fine to show her what to do (demonstrate on your own teeth, or let her watch in the mirror when you do hers), but good technique isn’t really the goal here. She’ll get it eventually — what matters now is her feeling of achievement (“I did it!”) and responsibility.

Dressing and Undressing

There’s no doubt about it: Taking clothes off is a lot easier than putting them on — a fact your child may have learned (and demonstrated at some unwelcome moments) for quite some time now. But at age two, she can begin to learn to don her own duds, and by age three, be able to dress herself from head to toe (though you’ll still have to give her a hand with challenging buttons and snaps). For now, supply easy-on clothing when you can — elastic waists, slip-on shirts and shoes, tops and dresses with forgiving necklines. If she gets stuck, step in, but try to let her finish if possible. Plenty of praise works wonders, too.

Hand Washing

Keeping little mitts clean is the best way to prevent illnesses, so it’s essential to teach your tot how to soap ’em up and rinse ’em off. First, be sure to keep hand-washing supplies handy (liquid soap, towels, a stepstool to reach the sink) and monitor her time at the tap. To really stop the spread of germs, kids (adults too!) must wash for at least 15 seconds (about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice at a normal speed) and be sure to scrub front and back, under nails, along cuticles, and between fingers. (Many toddlers go through a fastidious phase and insist on scrubbing their hands many times a day. Try to grin and bear it — better clean hands (and a bit of wasted water) than dirty ones.

Household Chores

At two years old? You bet! Toddlers love to imitate adults, they love to help, and they love to feel competent, so it’s the perfect time to introduce (simple) chores. Of course, you can’t expect perfect compliance — the aim is to get her used to lending a (tiny) hand. Some great junior-level jobs:

Pick up toys and put them away.

Sweep with a small broom and dustpan.

Dust with a feather duster or cloth (skip chemical cleansers, and make sure breakables are out of reach); supervise wiping tables with a spritz bottle and rag or sponge.

Set and clear the table (if you use unbreakable dishware and no knives).

Water plants.

Fetch or deliver mail or other lightweight, safe items around the house.

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